Cannabis — Jamaica

Taking ganja out of Jamaica — or bringing it in — is an offence even though possessing 2 ounces or less inside the country is only a ticket, and Jamaica Customs tells passengers not to attempt to import or export it.

Prosecution for importing or exporting ganja under s.7A of the Dangerous Drugs Act, whose fines were raised sharply in 2015 (to as much as J$3 million), plus possible imprisonment. The 2-ounce rule that applies inside Jamaica does not apply at the airport, and even ganja authorised for Rastafarian sacramental use may not be exported.

Verified Aug 20, 2026

Ganja is decriminalised but not legal in Jamaica. Possessing 2 ounces (about 56 grams) or less is a "contravention" rather than a criminal offence: a J$500 fixed penalty payable within 30 days, no arrest, and nothing on your criminal record. More than 2 ounces is a real offence carrying up to 5 years. Smoking in public — including beaches and the balcony of a tourist property — is separately ticketed, and buying is medically gated: licensed herb houses may sell only on a doctor's prescription or written recommendation.

2 ounces or less: a J$500 fixed penalty, payable within 30 days, with no arrest and no criminal record. Not paying is an offence — 40 to 360 hours of unpaid work or a J$2,000 fine, and it does go on your record. More than 2 ounces: up to 5 years in the Circuit Court, or in a lower court a fine of J$250 per ounce capped at J$15,000, or up to 3 years, or both. Smoking in or within 5 metres of a public place: J$500.

Verified Sep 15, 2026